The Mission of the Church: Who Decides?

Over the years I have observed many conversations about the Church’s mission. Recently it was common for parishes to write mission statements, most of which seemed fairly innocuous. (We are a welcoming, affirming, worship-centered congregation valuing justice and fellowship as we seek to be faithful followers of a living and loving God. That sort of thing.)

Once, when my diocese elected a new bishop, there was much conversation about what his vision would be for our mission. I was puzzled, because I thought we already had a mission, and I did not think it came from the bishop any more than the mission of a parish was defined by its vestry or congregation.

My thinking is this. The Church was called into being by God — not by the disciples — and we who join the Church join an established community which is not of our own making and, therefore, not subject to our own revision. Read More